Directed by Nick Grinde • 1939 • United States
Starring Anna May Wong, Akim Tamiroff, J. Carrol Naish
Introduction: This film has been programmed as part of the series Hollywood Chinese, a survey on the history of Chinese representation in American cinema, curated by filmmaker Arthur Dong. He notes: “This film was produced under a multifilm contract Anna May Wong brokered with Paramount, allowing the iconic actress to exercise more input for roles that departed from stereotypic parts, and in the instance of KING OF CHINATOWN, a chance to express her concerns for China during the Sino-Japanese war.” For further context, we recommend watching Mr. Dong’s series introduction and his documentary HOLLYWOOD CHINESE, now playing on the Channel.
Frank Baturin (Akim Tamiroff) is an underworld leader who controls all illicit operations in Chinatown. When he is shot and left for dead, duty compels dedicated Chinese American doctor Mary Ling (Anna May Wong, in one of her most progressive Hollywood roles) to treat him—even as she suspects that it may have been her own father (Sidney Toler) who shot the gangster. Mary succeeds in saving Baturin’s life, but finds herself drawn into his dangerous quest for revenge.
Directed by Ray Enright • 1945 • United States
Starring Randolph Scott, Ruth Warrick, Ellen Drew
Introduction: This film has been programmed as part of the series Hollywood Chinese, a survey on the history of Chinese representation in American cinema, curated by filmmaker Arthur Dong. He notes: ...
Directed by Alexander Mackendrick • 1957 • United States
Starring Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Susan Harrison
In the swift, cynical SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, directed by Alexander Mackendrick, Burt Lancaster stars as the vicious Broadway gossip columnist J. J. Hunsecker, and Tony Curtis as Sidney ...
Directed by Frank Borzage • 1958 • United States
Starring Victor Mature, Li Li-Hua, Ward Bond
Introduction: This film has been programmed as part of the series Hollywood Chinese, a survey on the history of Chinese representation in American cinema, curated by filmmaker Arthur Dong. He notes: “Wi...
